Major (Retired), O.M.M., C.D., 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s)
Walter was born on Christmas forenoon 1932 to Murdo Ewan Murray and Edythe Euphemia Murray (nee MacDonald) on the family farm, Township of Whitton, Province of Quebec. He was the fifth in a family of three boys and three girls. He traced his Scottish ancestry through Hebridian forebears from the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. He died the morning of May 3, 2013 in grace and bravery. Walter is survived by his dear wife Nancy, by his son Pierre and wife Rolanda and grandson Aidan of whom he was immensely proud. His brother George and wife Phyllis, his sisters Mavis Curtis, Hazel Brunt and Alene Welch along with nieces and nephews greatly mourn his passing as do his in-laws Mary and Meehan Bonnar. Walter was predeceased by his first wife, Major Claudette Lamontagne Murray, C.D., R.N., his parents and his older brother Lennox.
Walter was an Officer of the Order of Military Merit and holder of the Canadian Forces Decoration with two clasps. During his thirty-one years in the Canadian Forces he saw service in the Congo, Egypt and Cyprus on United Nations peace-keeping duties as well as in Canada and the United States. Walter was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, a Life Member of the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows and a Past District Chief, Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association. The Family wishes to thank Dr. Chin-yee and the Staff members of the London Regional Cancer Program and Dr. Haffner and the Staff members of the ICU, Stratford General Hospital for their exemplary care and support.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter (1 street west of Main) on Monday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. There will be a Legion Service in the funeral home on Monday afternoon at 3:30 PM and an Odd Fellows Service at 6:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at St. John’s By The Lake Anglican Church, 70642 Bluewater Highway, South Huron (Highway #21-North of Grand Bend) on Tuesday, May 7th at 11 AM with the Reverend Father Grayhame Bowcott officiating. Interment St. Marys Cemetery.
Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 79 Oak Lake, Manitoba, Stratford General Hospital Foundation (ICU), or the London Health Sciences Foundation-Regional Cancer Program would be appreciated by the family.
MURRAY, Walter David of St. Marys
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Donna McLellan-Garland
Dearest Nancy;
I am so sorry for your loss. What the Earth hath Lost, Heaven hath gained. Your husband took part in initiated me into the Order of the Oddfellows Lodge, in Brucefield. That was a memorable evening for me, but your husband, and you made me feel welcome.
He was an astute, Oddfellow, and I knew he had to be in the Department of National Defence for the CDN. Military, because my boys are in the Reserves Military out of Tango Company RCR, Stratford, ON. Michael switched elements to the Naval Reserves, and is a 2nd Lieutenant, and is working his way toward being a Social Worker in Stratford for Hats Off Group Homes. Jeffrey Garland my second son is a Corporal in the Army Reserves, and is now a Criminal Lawyer, Andrew David Stuart Garland is a Master Corporal, who joined with RCR Tango Company out of Stratford, under the direction of Captain Featherstone. Andrew is now employed by the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Co, out of Woodstock, as an Inspector for Fire Prevention and Paramedic. So, I could tell your husband was in the Military, just by the way he marched to the front of the meeting. I know my sons must have met your husband at the Legion at some point on Remembrance Day, as they marched every year in Stratford. He held himself, as did you, with the most highest of degree.
I am so happy that I knew your sweet husband, Mr. Murray. He was always nice to me, and had time to chat. He welcomed me to the Order, and you both were missed when you left and moved to St. Mary’s.
I’m sorry that I did not attend his funeral, I was away on a ship in the Southern Carribean.
I will keep your husband in my highest regard, and will never forget either one of you.
You will always find the latch key on the outside of my home, where ever it may be. Please feel welcome to come back to the Lodge, we would all be honored to see you there.
We are having an evening of fellowship on June 13, 2013, and would be honored to see you there.
May God Bless you and keep you safe. My most humble condolences to you and your family.
Take Care, my most sincere remembrance of you both, until we meet again, I remain,
Yours Sincerely,
Donna McLellan-Garland
Oddfellow, Brucefield Lodge,
Brucefield, ON.
Becky Smith
Dear Nancy, Pierre and family,
My husband and family are old friends from Chilliwack and we offer our deepest sympathy to you in your loss. Walter was such a wonderful man – a true friend. We spent many hours with Walter and family when he lived in BC and have lots of special memories of him.
We will miss him.
Becky and Allan Smith and family
Charmaine Farrell
Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss, although I never had the privilege
of meeting Walter I have heard good things about him and know that
you will miss him terribly. Keep all your good memories close to your
heart and he will walk beside you forever. I am unable to attend the
service however my thoughts and prayers will be with you. Please
accept my sincerest sympathy, Charmaine
Larry and Joyce Black
Dear Nancy and Walters Family –
We were very shocked and sad to see Walter had passed away.
We enjoyed visiting with you both when living in Grand Bend
a year ago. Walter was a true gentleman and always had a smile when we met and was a man of many hats. Nancy, we know you will miss him a great deal but just remember the happy times when you were together. Thinking of you and we send our
Sincere sympathy in your great loss of a loving husband,
Love, Larry and Joyce B, Grand Bend.
Bev & Isa
Dear Nancy & Family:
We were very sorry to hear of Bro. Walter’s passing. Sorry that we cannot attend the Odd Fellow service as we are at the Grand Lodge Sessions in Stratford. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all.
Bev & Isa